Six arrests take weapons off the streets

STOCKTON — Six individuals were arrested on unrelated weapons charges Tuesday evening and into Wednesday, results of strategic plans set by Stockton Police to reduce gun violence.

The first arrest occurred during a traffic stop in the 500 block of Northbank Court just after 10 p.m. Tuesday.

Authorities said 18-year-old passenger Nathaniel Birdsong was on probation and after a search of the vehicle, a loaded firearm was found.

Police arrested Birdsong on numerous weapons and traffic charges.

About one hour later, police stopped a vehicle in the area of Bianchi Road and West Lane.

The driver was found to have a suspended license and a loaded handgun was found after a search, authorities said. Paul Joseph, 52, was arrested on weapons charges.

At 12:41 a.m. Wednesday, an individual reportedly was driving his vehicle erratically in the 3200 block of East Hammer Lane.

When police approached, two men ran from the vehicle and a stun gun was used to take one of them into custody, authorities said. A bag with a firearm inside was found to be discarded nearby, police said.

Shawn Crosby, 34, and Joseph Alvarez, 28, were arrested on weapons charges and for resisting arrest.

At 1 a.m. in the 500 block of East Oak Street, a suspect vehicle from a separate case was located.

Police arrested the driver, 34-year-old Luis Valentine, on weapons charges after police found a loaded handgun in the vehicle.

Finally, at around 3:15 p.m., 20-year-old Jaylon Wilkerson was stopped and arrested as he had a searchable probation for a firearm and pursuit conviction, as well as having a felony warrant for his arrest.

Officers conducted a compliance search in the 8500 block of Kelley Drive and found a loaded, stolen .45 caliber Glock handgun, a loaded AR pistol, loaded rifle and handgun magazines and a bullet proof vest.

Wilkerson was booked into San Joaquin County Jail for weapon and ammunition charges, and for the felony warrant.

It was the second time in a week that the Stockton Police Department made multiple weapons-related arrests. On July 24-25, police recovered multiple firearms in the process of arresting 12 people on various charges.

Contact reporter Nicholas Filipas at (209) 546-8257 or nfilipas@recordnet.com. Follow him on recordnet.com/filipasblog or on Twitter @nicholasfilipas.